Widener

A degree in chemistry can lead to a variety of professional opportunities. Many of our graduates choose careers in chemistry—others pursue careers in medicine, secondary education,engineering,  biochemistry, materials science, dentistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and patent law.  To meet the diverse needs of these students, the chemistry department offers a number of different degree programs.  These include:

• Chemistry major. This option is designed to meet the needs of students who want a strong foundation in chemistry, but who do not necessarily wish to pursue a traditional career in chemistry. This program offers more flexibility in its curriculum by including more free electives and fewer required mathematics and chemistry courses. This flexibility allows students to tailor the degree to their particular interdisciplinary interests.
• Chemistry major with ACS certification.  Students who want more extensive coursework in chemistry and mathematics may choose to earn a Bachelor of Science with American Chemical Society (ACS) certification. The ACS has approved the chemistry program at Widener since 1968.
• Chemistry major with pre-medical concentration. This is a traditional chemistry major with additional coursework in biology and biochemistry so that students are prepared for medical school.  Students work closely with Widener's Pre-Medical Program to prepare for entrance to medical schoo.
• Science education with chemistry certification. This program prepares students for certification to teach high school chemistry.  In addition to chemistry courses, students take education courses and participate in student teaching.
• Chemistry/chemical engineering double major. A Double Major in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is offered in conjunction with the School of Engineering.
• Chemistry/chemical engineering double major with coop. Students may also participate in theSchool of Engineering cooperative engineering program where students get work experience as part of the curriculum.
• Chemistry minor.  Students in other majors may also pursue a minor in chemistry.

Special Academic Policies for the Chemistry Major

To be accepted in the major, all chemistry courses in the major must be successfully completed with a grade of C or better. For entry into the major in the junior year, completion of freshman and sophomore science requirements with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required. Chemistry courses may be attempted no more than two times. Enrollment and subsequent withdrawal from a course is considered one attempt. A senior chemistry major will not be approved for graduation if he or she has more than two outstanding grades of D+ or less in courses required for the major.

Department of Chemistry
Widener University
One University Place
Chester PA  19013

Dr. Scott Van Bramer
tel: 610-499-4516
sevanbramer@widener.edu